Dallas Business Journal Profiles Elizabeth Scott as a 40 Under 40 Honoree

Dallas Business Journal has profiled Akin Gump litigation partner Elizabeth Scott, one of its 40 Under 40 honorees for 2021.

In the profile, Scott discussed why she feels she is an impactful litigator, both with her professional cases and the pro bono efforts in which she takes part. She has been involved in several significant decisions, such as the Trinity False Claims Act (FCA) case, which she said has been cited by various courts as well as twice in a Department of Justice memo issued following the case regarding when the government should consider dismissing meritless FCA actions. The case, she said, “cemented” her interest in FCA litigation.

That passion, Scott noted, also translates to her pro bono work. “I am very passionate about ensuring those in the Dallas community have enough to eat, which is reflected in both my community service efforts and my pro bono work,” she said. “For example, as part of my pro bono efforts, I secured a permanent injunction against the city of Dallas preventing the enforcement of a controversial ordinance regulating sharing food with homeless individuals.” Attorneys’ fees and costs that were secured in the case were subsequently donated to clients.

Other topics discussed by Scott in the article include:

What is something people aren’t thinking about that will change your industry in the future? “Cybersecurity. This is not unique to law firms and is, of course, driving change and innovation in almost every industry.”

What was the biggest lesson (personally or professionally) that you took out of 2020, and how will it change you going forward? “2020 taught me how resilient and innovative we can be both personally and professionally. …Though driven by terrible circumstances, the necessity for change brought opportunities for new ideas and developments in both my personal and professional life.”

How important is a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce to your company's success, and how do you keep that at the forefront coming out of the pandemic? “I am committed to working with our firm’s leadership to address the reasons for the continued underrepresentation of women and lawyers of color in law firm leadership to develop innovative solutions to bridge the gap.”